THE QUESTION: R450: For the past 12 years, we have lived in a middle-class neighborhood. Demographics: 80 percent black, 10 percent white, 10 percent other (Hispanic, Filipino, Asian). The new high school near our neighborhood is 65 percent black, with a majority of black teachers. When the time came for the prom this year, the music committee (all black students) …

THE QUESTION: R460: It seems to me that having minority organizations or minority subcommittees of “mainstream” organizations only further points out our differences. How can we accept others and not label them if they are already labeling themselves? POSTED SEPT. 19, 1998 Stacy W., white female, Akron, OH ANSWER 1: In a democracy, the majority is supposed to rule. However, …

THE QUESTION: R470: I would like to hear comments from any African-American Race/EthnicityQuestions 471-480Feel free to browse the following questions, some of which may still await answers. You can then post an answer or counter an answer that has already been posted. Please read the guidelines for answering questions before making a posting.   Previous 10 this topic area Next …

THE QUESTION: R480: Until just a couple of years ago, I never realized “Jap” was a derogatory term. Frankly, I can’t ever think of a time I used it, but I had put it in the same category as “Brit,” “Aussie,” “Yank” or “Canuck.” I’m sure there are other examples. Why is “Jap” different? Or are these other short terms …

THE QUESTION: R490: This question is going to seem very racist, so I apologize, but it is something I’ve observed for the longest time. Whenever I am trying to park at a public place (a mall, theater, sports stadium) and I see somebody trying to back in to a parking spot, invariably the person is African American. Is there something …

THE QUESTION: R500: Why don’t immigrants share the same interest in learning English and American customs as their fellow countrymen did when immigrating to the United States years ago? Becoming “American” doesn’t mean forgetting about your heritage, but shouldn’t it mean learning and participating in our culture, learning our language and learning our value systems? Or do many people now …